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Auction: 19022 - Historical Documents, Postal History and Autographs
Lot: 2134

Autographs
Germany
King Ludwig I of Bavaria
1848 (6 March) original copy of the 'March Proclamation', which led directly to the resignation of King Ludwig of Bavaria. Page 40cm x 25.1cm folded into four with isolated stains, overall good condition. Photo

King Ludwig came to power in 1825, after inheriting the throne from his father. Following the July Revolution in France in 1830, Ludwig enacted a series of repressive policies, which proved unpopular. Coupled with his wanton spending and love of womanising, Ludwig rapidly fell out of favour with his subjects.
Known also for his affair with the Irish dancer Lola Montez. This intense affair caused great outrage, and in 1848, with revolution sweeping across Europe, matters came to a head. On March 4, the Royal Residence was stormed. Ludwig's brother, Prince Karl, succeeded in heading off the crisis, but his own family and ministers then turned against Ludwig, forcing him to sign a concessionary proclamation.
The proclamation, dated on 6 March, promised far-reaching political reforms and civil liberties, but in the end it all proved too much for King Ludwig. On 20 March 1848, he abdicated in favour of his oldest son, Maximilian II, claiming that he was unwilling to rule under such constraints.


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Sold for
£160